Your trip is now over, but don’t be too sad! Now you have fond memories to look back on, and I bet it also feels good to be home. Here are some things to keep in mind as you readjust to your home country.
Remember how you had jet lag when you traveled there? Coming home may be worse! While I hope you land and feel great, it is understandable if you feel tired, irritable, distracted as your brain and body readjust to the time zone.
Be gentle with yourself—most people need a day for every hour difference to be back to their normal energy level. So if you were in a country that was 10 hours different than your home it may take 10 days for you to adjust. It is a good idea to not have big projects or stressful agendas to work on the first week of your return. Also, let your family and friends know you need some time to “get back to normal”.
After a long trip home from Malaysia, I found myself crying over a TV commercial! My friend’s husband came home from a long trip and was a grouch for 2 days. Fair warning!
Now that you’re home, here are some things to do:
- Store your passport in designated and secure spot for the next trip.
- Review credit card charges to note any errors. Contact credit card companies to inform them you have returned.
- Store electrical adapter where you can find them again.
- Download photos, edit and share!
- Sort through gifts and mementos you brought home to share now or later.
- Reflect on your travel experiences and consider where you would like to go next!
Whether you are reading these tips before you travel to prepare yourself or are using the advice now, I hope you have a wonderful experience before, during and after you travel!
The Independent Learner 